Beauty Benefits of Cold Plunges: Glow from the Inside Out

Historically, cold plunges have been used in many cultures as hydrotherapy to promote health. 

Usually, Cold water constricts blood vessels, stimulating circulation and encouraging the body to pump oxygen-rich blood to the skin's surface. Increasing blood flow eliminates toxins while providing essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells.

They can also reduce inflammation and puffiness, enhance skin radiance, increase collagen production, relieve itchy skin, and balance sebum levels for clearer skin.

Let's learn about the beauty benefits of cold water therapy and use this beauty routine to achieve a radiant, healthy glow from the inside out.

What is Cold Plunge?

A cold plunge, also known as a cold-water immersion, involves partially or fully submerging oneself for a short time in cold water, generally at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

You can do this by sitting in a bathtub filled with cold water and ice cubes or jumping into a freezing lake or ocean. There are also specialized cold-plunge centers and personal tanks, with high-end ones costing up to $20k.

This ancient practice has been used for centuries for health benefits.

One remarkable study found that a cold plunge at 57°F for several hours resulted in a 250% increase in dopamine levels and a 530% increase in noradrenaline levels.

These neurotransmitters improve mood, focus, and overall mental health and wellness. Beginners usually start with short immersion times of 30 seconds to a minute and gradually increase to 5 to 10 minutes.

The 5 Best Benefits of Cold Plunges for Beauty

You may already know that cold plunges offer various health benefits, but did you know they can also improve your beauty regime?

After taking a cold plunge, you can feel and look radiant, from your skin to your hair. 

Here are the top five advantages of incorporating cold plunges into your beauty routine.

1. Decreased Inflammation and Puffiness

Our skin's blood vessels are constricting when exposed to cold water, which reduces inflammation and puffiness. This constriction decreases blood flow to inflamed areas, promoting healing and providing relief.

Chronic inflammation can damage collagen fibers, which make up the structure of our skin. This damage can lead to various skin issues, including acne and post-workout inflammation. 

Applying cold water to the skin mitigates these effects by constricting blood vessels, which reduces redness and irritation.

Recent studies have shown that cold plunges reduce inflammation and relieve delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). An intense exercise session typically results in DOMS, which is muscle soreness that occurs within 1-2 days.

Cold water is also effective in treating puffiness. Cold water reduces fluid retention, diminishing puffiness and revitalizing the skin.

 As cold water interacts with our skin, it gently coaxes excess fluids away and reveals a smoother, more refined appearance.

2. Improved Skin Radiance

Radiant and healthy skin is a dream for many, and cold water therapy can help achieve this goal. 

When cold water touches the skin, it temporarily constricts blood vessels. As the body warms back up, these blood vessels expand, resulting in a surge of blood flow. 

This increased circulation brings fresh oxygen and essential nutrients to skin cells, crucial for cell turnover and tissue repair. Increased blood flow helps eliminate toxins and impurities, creating a more transparent and vibrant complexion.

Moreover, this process isn't limited to the face. Enhanced circulation affects the entire body, bringing a refreshed and radiant appearance from head to toe. 

During the cold, the pores tighten immediately, improving the youthful, healthy appearance of the skin.

3. Increasing Collagen Production

Collagen keeps the skin flexible and youthful, but Stress and high cortisol levels cause collagen to break down. Cold water immersion can reduce stress factors and increase collagen production in the body.

When you get into cold water, your blood vessels rapidly constrict, reducing inflammation and improving circulation. 

This physiological reaction lowers stress hormones like cortisol. When cortisol levels are too high, the body cannot make collagen. So, reducing stress hormones makes collagen production easier.

With this natural boost in collagen, fine lines and wrinkles can look less noticeable. It also helps the skin stay firm and resistant to aging signs. 

The cold bath also promotes circulation, so nutrients reach skin cells more efficiently, preserving their structural integrity. 

4. Reduces Itching

Eczema and rashes are common conditions that cause itchy skin. Cold plunges can reduce this discomfort temporarily.

When the skin is exposed to the cold temperature of a cold water bath, blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to the affected areas. 

Thus, itchy skin is immediately relieved of redness and irritation caused by swelling and inflammation. As they calm the inflammatory response, ice baths make the skin less irritated.

Research suggests that the cooling sensation of ice baths activates the body's natural pain-relief mechanisms. A natural painkiller, endorphins, further soothe itchy skin.

In fact, having endorphins released can contribute to well-being and relaxation, which is especially beneficial for those with chronic skin conditions.

5. Sebum Balance for Clearer Skin

Sebum production is a common cause of acne and blocked pores, leading to various skin problems. Cold water immersion, which reduces sebum production, provides an effective solution.

The mechanism behind this reduction lies in the body's physiological response to cold temperatures. When exposed to cold water, the body releases norepinephrine, a hormone that regulates oil production in the skin. 

This hormonal response effectively decreases sebaceous gland activity, lowering sebum levels.

Last Say

The beauty effects of cold plunges are not just myths; they are scientifically proven. By taking cold plunges, like bathing in cold showers or swimming in icy water, you can improve your skin's health, hair strength, and general health.

Increased blood flow, lowered inflammation, and increased collagen production are some properties of cold plunges that enhance natural beauty from the inside out.

Plunging into a cold pool can be refreshing and rejuvenating. It can also help maintain health and wellness.

Adding this energizing activity to your beauty routine might show results over time, making you look more radiant and alive.